I am a pretty dyed-in-the-wool Anne Tyler fan, so when I saw a new book by her, I got it to read.  I did not even notice that it was part of the Hogarth Series - a series I know little about, but one that attempts to re-write Shakespeare in modern times and terms.

The story starts out slowly, and it is a little stilted - not the usual Anne Tyler style that I love so much.  But I persevered - it is summer after all, and I do need something to read with my lunch! And I was rewarded for my efforts - the story got better.  The premise always seemed strange, but that faded as other events came forward.

The characters of Aunt Thelma, Uncle Theron, and Uncle Barclay helped the story get some flavor and color.  And a strange plot twist sent it into the arena of "I don't know what's going on but I think I want to find out" and then it all ended just like you thought it would! (Like you thought it would if you were familiar with Taming of the Shrew that is!)

A good summer read - or fall read curled up on the couch with a fire going in case you have to wait that long!

Give it a try - you will probably be glad you did!

Latest read -

Chris Cleave wrote Little Bee - a book I enjoyed reading - and found thought-provoking and well-written.  So when I read that he had a new book out, I thought I'd give it a read!

It was a slow starter - I picked away at it for a couple of weeks or more before I really got engaged in the story line.  Not sure it that was the fault of the story, the writing, or me! But it did become compelling about halfway through, and I sat up late one night reading!

The story revolves around London and the beginning of the bombing siege there in World Wart II.  There is a sub-plot revolving around the treatment of blacks during the bombing - apparently a fairly large number of black minstrel performers had come to London just before the war and they were the victims of some racial persecution.

The main story revolves around Tom, Alistair, Mary, and to a lesser degree, Hilda, and their experiences and personal growth as they face the escalating pressures of war. Once it got going, the story was fast-paced, and was gripping at many points.

The afterward by the author was a great story in itself - I'd not recommend reading it first - save it for the end!!

A good story - war stories usually are!

Beautiful, fun, goofy!!

I certainly know who Roald Dahl is - but I actually have not read many of his books - in fact, I think I have only read James and the Giant Peach.  Not sure why I haven't read them - all my kids seem to have.  But I may have to change that!

Harry and I went and saw The BFG on Monday to celebrate the holiday.  And we thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm thinking it might be scary for some kids - but actually Roald Dahl always has a scary element. Doesn't seem to cost him his kid audience.

It was also great that the Queen was played by a fave from Downton Abbey!

Might be a movie worth having in your video library!!

And the breakfast scene at the palace was superb!!

Latest summer read

There has been lots going on in my life that has precluded getting much reading done.  So I decided to go looking for a book to put on my Kindle.  Amazon does have my reading history right at its fingertips, so it usually has a list of recommended books for me to read! 

Since I had read and enjoyed Mr. Pettigrew's Last Stand, the idea of another book by the same author seemed like a good choice.  I frequently "stick with one author" and it's been mostly a good idea. This was too!

This story is set in the time period before Britain entered World War I.  I've read a number of novels about that war - you know, "The war to end all wars!" It was indeed a tragic event - one that shaped world history in ways we may never fully understand.

But this story, though not "lightweight" or "lighthearted," is light enough to enjoy, but definitely thoughtful and thought-provoking.

I'd recommend it!